Valerie Bassetti

Private graveside services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 9 a.m. in Paso Robles. A reception will be held at the Orradre Building starting at 11 am.

Valerie was born in King City in August of 1952 to Margaret and Sam Avila. She attended San Ardo Elementary School and attended King City High School graduating in 1970.

In 1975 she met the love of her life Mel, and they were married shortly after. They raised two sons, Cody and Casey. While Val was raising two rambunctious boys, Mel was pursuing his love for farming. In 1987 Valerie went into business with her best friend Valerie Schultz and they opened Private Eyes. They both did makeup and nails and were the first upscale salon in King City. As Melís business continued to grow, Mel and Val decided to merge their talents. United in business, Mel and Valerie worked side by side as a team, a partnership just like their marriage. The business continued to grow for a number of years. In early 2001, Mel was diagnosed with cancer. They began another journey of taking care of each other.

Mel fought a courageous battle and she was with him every step of the way. In 2004, Mel passed away. Valerie continued to run the business.

Valerie and Mel both were generous supporters of local charities. In 2005, Val established Melís Poker Run, and proceeds were donated to Scripps Medical Center as well as the King City Young Farmers, which helped local charities in the Salinas Valley. Val wanted to give back to all the wonderful care given by so many.

Val is survived by her sons Cody and Mandy of Paso Robles, Casey and Samantha Bassetti of San Miguel; and three grandchildren. Valerie was preceded in death by her husband, Mel, in 2004.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the program for substance abuse assistance, C/O Ed Storti Box 2635, San Pedro, CA 90731. Arrangements have been entrusted to Eddington Funeral Services, 333 East San Antonio Dr., King City, CA, 831-385-5400, www.efscares.com.